watercolor8 Posted June 14, 2021 Share Posted June 14, 2021 (edited) Currently prescribed by neurologist for Akathisia: 7.5 mg Zolpidem (Ambien) 3 x day (tapered from 30 mg Dec, 2020-Feb, 2021) 600 mg Gabapentin 80 mg Propranalol 1.25 mg Clonazpam 22.5 mg Mirtazapine (Remeron) Fast 2 month taper off Cymbalta Spring, 2020 due to Tardive Dyskinesia Akathisia began Summer, 2020 Neurologist had me stop other medications abruptly (Clonazepam, Doxycycline, prednisone) Began with propranalol and meds increased through Fall, 2020 to above current dose. Thinking I should continue taper zolpidem first, as this would be the drug removed if I had to be hospitalized, but don't know how to reduce it past just breaking the tablets. (Neurologist thinks I should stay on it, or fast taper in 4 weeks. Neurologist also thinks I can just stop the mirtazapine if I choose, with no taper) I can't find specific info on dry or liquid taper for zolpidem. Edited June 14, 2021 by Gridley Currently prescribed by neurologist for Akathisia: August, 2020: 120 mg Propranalol (3 divided doses of 40 mg) August, 2020: 7.5 mg Zolpidem (Ambien) 3 x day (tapered from 30 mg Dec, 2020-Feb, 2021) Sept, 2020: 600 mg Gabapentin (3 divided doses 200 mg ea) Sept, 2020: 1.25 mg Clonazpam divided doses ( .5 night, .5 noon, .25 6 pm) Nov, 2020: 22.5 mg Mirtazapine (Remeron) 9:30-10pm Previously-Fast 2 month taper off Cymbalta Spring, 2020 due to Tardive Dyskinesia Akathisia began Summer, 2020 Neurologist had me stop other medications abruptly (Clonazepam, Doxycycline, prednisone) Began with propranalol August, 2020 and meds increased through Fall, 2020 to above current dose. Thinking I should continue taper zolpidem first, as this would be the drug removed if I had to be hospitalized, don't know how to reduce it past just breaking the tablets. (I can't find specific info on dry or liquid taper for zolpidem.) Link to comment
Moderator Gridley Posted June 14, 2021 Moderator Share Posted June 14, 2021 (edited) Welcome to SA, watercolor8. Thanks for completing your drug signature. Regarding your neurologist's opinion, we would not agree that you can fast taper the Zolpidem or that you can cold turkey the Mirtazapine. Cold turkey is the tapering method that puts you at greatest risk of withdrawal symptoms, and a 4-week taper off 22.5mg Zolpidem is far faster than we recommend. We recommend tapering by no more than 10% of your current dose every four weeks. Why taper by 10% of my dosage? The following link contains specific information for tapering Zolpidem (Ambien), including how to do both a dry or a liquid taper. So you don't have to resort to just breaking the tablets. Once you've chosen a method (dry or liquid) we can further advise you and answer any questions you have about the taper method. Tips for tapering off Z drugs for sleep (Ambien, Imovane, Sonata, Lunesta, Intermezzo, etc.) We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) Add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems. Get supplements that are single ingredient (not mixed with other types of supplements). This is your Introduction topic, where you can ask questions and connect with other members. We're glad you found your way here. Edited June 14, 2021 by Gridley Gridley Introduction Lexapro 20 mg since 2004. Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017. End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg Oct. 30, 2020 Jump to zero from 0.025mg. Current dose: 0.000mg 3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete. Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium End 2021 year 1 of taper at 6mg End 2022 year 2 of taper at 2.75mg Current dose as of Feb. 25, 2023 2mg Taper is 89% complete. Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986. Jan-Sept 2016 tapered to 14.4mg March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper Taper is 87% complete. Supplements: omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotic, zinc, melatonin .3mg I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs. Link to comment
watercolor8 Posted June 14, 2021 Author Share Posted June 14, 2021 Thanks. So if I wanted to taper 5% of a 5mg tablet of zolpidem, how much water for the 5 mg tablet? Currently prescribed by neurologist for Akathisia: August, 2020: 120 mg Propranalol (3 divided doses of 40 mg) August, 2020: 7.5 mg Zolpidem (Ambien) 3 x day (tapered from 30 mg Dec, 2020-Feb, 2021) Sept, 2020: 600 mg Gabapentin (3 divided doses 200 mg ea) Sept, 2020: 1.25 mg Clonazpam divided doses ( .5 night, .5 noon, .25 6 pm) Nov, 2020: 22.5 mg Mirtazapine (Remeron) 9:30-10pm Previously-Fast 2 month taper off Cymbalta Spring, 2020 due to Tardive Dyskinesia Akathisia began Summer, 2020 Neurologist had me stop other medications abruptly (Clonazepam, Doxycycline, prednisone) Began with propranalol August, 2020 and meds increased through Fall, 2020 to above current dose. Thinking I should continue taper zolpidem first, as this would be the drug removed if I had to be hospitalized, don't know how to reduce it past just breaking the tablets. (I can't find specific info on dry or liquid taper for zolpidem.) Link to comment
Moderator Gridley Posted June 14, 2021 Moderator Share Posted June 14, 2021 24 minutes ago, watercolor8 said: Thanks. So if I wanted to taper 5% of a 5mg tablet of zolpidem, how much water for the 5 mg tablet? I'm not expert on liquid tapers, so I've brought your question to the attention of the other staff. Gridley Introduction Lexapro 20 mg since 2004. Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017. End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg Oct. 30, 2020 Jump to zero from 0.025mg. Current dose: 0.000mg 3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete. Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium End 2021 year 1 of taper at 6mg End 2022 year 2 of taper at 2.75mg Current dose as of Feb. 25, 2023 2mg Taper is 89% complete. Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986. Jan-Sept 2016 tapered to 14.4mg March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper Taper is 87% complete. Supplements: omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotic, zinc, melatonin .3mg I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs. Link to comment
watercolor8 Posted June 14, 2021 Author Share Posted June 14, 2021 Let me rephrase that. I take 1 1/2 5mg tablets 2x day, and a 5 mg tablet at night. Want to reduce the 1st 2 down to 5 mg each by tapering. Can I reduce the 7.5 dosages to 5 mg by stopping the 1/2 tablet one at a time? That's 2.5 mg - more than 10% of total (20 mg total) Apologies- typing during akathisia Currently prescribed by neurologist for Akathisia: August, 2020: 120 mg Propranalol (3 divided doses of 40 mg) August, 2020: 7.5 mg Zolpidem (Ambien) 3 x day (tapered from 30 mg Dec, 2020-Feb, 2021) Sept, 2020: 600 mg Gabapentin (3 divided doses 200 mg ea) Sept, 2020: 1.25 mg Clonazpam divided doses ( .5 night, .5 noon, .25 6 pm) Nov, 2020: 22.5 mg Mirtazapine (Remeron) 9:30-10pm Previously-Fast 2 month taper off Cymbalta Spring, 2020 due to Tardive Dyskinesia Akathisia began Summer, 2020 Neurologist had me stop other medications abruptly (Clonazepam, Doxycycline, prednisone) Began with propranalol August, 2020 and meds increased through Fall, 2020 to above current dose. Thinking I should continue taper zolpidem first, as this would be the drug removed if I had to be hospitalized, don't know how to reduce it past just breaking the tablets. (I can't find specific info on dry or liquid taper for zolpidem.) Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted June 14, 2021 Administrator Share Posted June 14, 2021 Welcome, @watercolor8 4 hours ago, watercolor8 said: Currently prescribed by neurologist for Akathisia: 7.5 mg Zolpidem (Ambien) 3 x day (tapered from 30 mg Dec, 2020-Feb, 2021) 600 mg Gabapentin 80 mg Propranalol 1.25 mg Clonazpam 22.5 mg Mirtazapine (Remeron) .... This is an unusual kitchen sink cocktail of drugs for akathisia. Did your akathisia go away? When did this happen? If your akathisia is resolved, why do you want to go off Zolpidem first? It's highly unusual for a doctor to prescribe it in the daytime, especially since you're also taking clonazepam. They are related drugs. Having got you into this interesting cocktail, why does this neurologist not know how to deprescribe it? What times of day (o'clock) do you take your drugs, with their dosages? This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
watercolor8 Posted June 15, 2021 Author Share Posted June 15, 2021 Thank you for your reply. The Akathisia is still strong and agonizing, often completely disabling. I worry that if I have to be hospitalized or have a procedure, they would stop the Zolpidem suddenly because of high dosage not being safe, especially if I needed anesthesia or other medication, and I would have serious withdrawal. I only found one reference to 30 mg Zolpidem being prescribed for Akathisia, and that was in a study paper written by my neurologist. I'm disappointed that the top movement disorder neurologist group prescribed this nightmare, and that they don't see a reason to discontinue it (they actually want to add more meds) and they think that if I push for tapering, that I can do a 2-4 week taper on the Zolpidem and also just discontinue the Mirtazapine abruptly. 5 am: 200 mg Gabapentin + 40 mg Propranalol 6 am: 7.5 mg Zolpidem 11 am: 200 mg Gabapentin + 40 mg Propranalol 12n: .5mg Clonazepam 2 pm: 7.5 mg Zolpidem 5 pm:200 mg Gabapentin + 40 mg Propranalol 6 pm: .25 mg Conazepam 9:30 pm 15 mg Mirtazapine 10 pm: 7.5 mg Mirtazapine + 5 mg Zolpidem 2:30 am: .5 mg Clonazepam The Zolpidem (originally 30 mg) was given for Akathisia, not sleep. At first I didn’t sleep at all, now I get @ 2.5 broken hours. None of the meds are sedating. The Akathisia is so bad I didn't realize how ploydrugged I was getting. I guess I thought it would stop the agony. I also didn't know about these forums and tapering information. Also, unfortunately, the few times I doze off, it happens during what should be a medication time, so I end up taking it late. My last Zolpidem taper was over 3 months ago, but since it was probably too fast, I've been holding. I am overwhelmed, confused and scared, but I keep reading that the only way to possibly stop the akathisia is to taper off all meds, very slowly. Currently prescribed by neurologist for Akathisia: August, 2020: 120 mg Propranalol (3 divided doses of 40 mg) August, 2020: 7.5 mg Zolpidem (Ambien) 3 x day (tapered from 30 mg Dec, 2020-Feb, 2021) Sept, 2020: 600 mg Gabapentin (3 divided doses 200 mg ea) Sept, 2020: 1.25 mg Clonazpam divided doses ( .5 night, .5 noon, .25 6 pm) Nov, 2020: 22.5 mg Mirtazapine (Remeron) 9:30-10pm Previously-Fast 2 month taper off Cymbalta Spring, 2020 due to Tardive Dyskinesia Akathisia began Summer, 2020 Neurologist had me stop other medications abruptly (Clonazepam, Doxycycline, prednisone) Began with propranalol August, 2020 and meds increased through Fall, 2020 to above current dose. Thinking I should continue taper zolpidem first, as this would be the drug removed if I had to be hospitalized, don't know how to reduce it past just breaking the tablets. (I can't find specific info on dry or liquid taper for zolpidem.) Link to comment
watercolor8 Posted June 15, 2021 Author Share Posted June 15, 2021 I thought I'd reduce the Zolpidem to 15 mg, then hold, and start tapering the Clonazepam next. I don't know which drug is the most likely to be exacerbating the Akathisia, or if part of it actually withdrawal Akathisia. Currently prescribed by neurologist for Akathisia: August, 2020: 120 mg Propranalol (3 divided doses of 40 mg) August, 2020: 7.5 mg Zolpidem (Ambien) 3 x day (tapered from 30 mg Dec, 2020-Feb, 2021) Sept, 2020: 600 mg Gabapentin (3 divided doses 200 mg ea) Sept, 2020: 1.25 mg Clonazpam divided doses ( .5 night, .5 noon, .25 6 pm) Nov, 2020: 22.5 mg Mirtazapine (Remeron) 9:30-10pm Previously-Fast 2 month taper off Cymbalta Spring, 2020 due to Tardive Dyskinesia Akathisia began Summer, 2020 Neurologist had me stop other medications abruptly (Clonazepam, Doxycycline, prednisone) Began with propranalol August, 2020 and meds increased through Fall, 2020 to above current dose. Thinking I should continue taper zolpidem first, as this would be the drug removed if I had to be hospitalized, don't know how to reduce it past just breaking the tablets. (I can't find specific info on dry or liquid taper for zolpidem.) Link to comment
watercolor8 Posted June 20, 2021 Author Share Posted June 20, 2021 Currently prescribed by neurologist for Akathisia:7.5 mg Zolpidem (Ambien) 3 x day (tapered from 30 mg Dec, 2020-Feb, 2021)600 mg Gabapentin80 mg Propranalol1.25 mg Clonazpam, divided doses: (.5mg 2:30 am, .5mg 12noon, .25 mg 5pm)22.5 mg Mirtazapine (Remeron) I want to begin with reducing either the zolpidem or the clonazepam by 10% using water/liquid titration for clonazepam, would prefer to do the taper first on late night dose first My severe akathisia affects my cognition and math. I've been stuck on this for months (tapered a bit to quickly from original 30mg zolpidem by breaking into half, then 4ths to get to present 20mg, but last taper on that was in Feb) i would like to know: amount of pill + amount of liquid, mix, remove 10% by medicine dropper or syringe Currently prescribed by neurologist for Akathisia: August, 2020: 120 mg Propranalol (3 divided doses of 40 mg) August, 2020: 7.5 mg Zolpidem (Ambien) 3 x day (tapered from 30 mg Dec, 2020-Feb, 2021) Sept, 2020: 600 mg Gabapentin (3 divided doses 200 mg ea) Sept, 2020: 1.25 mg Clonazpam divided doses ( .5 night, .5 noon, .25 6 pm) Nov, 2020: 22.5 mg Mirtazapine (Remeron) 9:30-10pm Previously-Fast 2 month taper off Cymbalta Spring, 2020 due to Tardive Dyskinesia Akathisia began Summer, 2020 Neurologist had me stop other medications abruptly (Clonazepam, Doxycycline, prednisone) Began with propranalol August, 2020 and meds increased through Fall, 2020 to above current dose. Thinking I should continue taper zolpidem first, as this would be the drug removed if I had to be hospitalized, don't know how to reduce it past just breaking the tablets. (I can't find specific info on dry or liquid taper for zolpidem.) Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted June 20, 2021 Administrator Share Posted June 20, 2021 Yes, it's not good medical practice to prescribe a batch of drugs to crush a symptom. That neurologist should stick to neurology. On 6/14/2021 at 5:57 PM, watercolor8 said: None of the meds are sedating. All of those meds are sedating. Are you saying none have a sedating effect on you? My guess is you're taking such a high load of sedating drugs, they are having a paradoxical effect on you. They are activating instead of sedating. I would not touch the clonazepam until the last. I find it incredible that anyone would prescribe zolpidem to be taken throughout the day when you're already taking clonazepam in multiple daily doses. In your signature, please add the dates you started each of the drugs. Which did you add last, and how long have you been on it? Please put ALL your drugs in this Interactions Checker and post the report or a link to it in this topic. Please keep daily notes of times of day you take your drugs, their dosages, and your symptoms throughout the day. We need to know how you feel before and after taking each drug, and your symptoms in between. Post 24 hours of notes at a time in this topic, in a simple list format with time of day on the left and notation (symptom or drug and dosage) on the right. This can show which of your drugs are causing the worst effects. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
watercolor8 Posted June 24, 2021 Author Share Posted June 24, 2021 Thanks-I put my dosage times in my signature. That’s as far as I could get. akathisia symptoms do not seem to be drug related as much as progressing through afternoon to night. but how much water do I need to add to say a 5 mg tablet of my 7.5 morning dose( my total zolpidem is 20 mg, so I guess I would be reducing 2 mg, which is less than 1/2 tablet, and it won’t cut evenly) Thank you Currently prescribed by neurologist for Akathisia: August, 2020: 120 mg Propranalol (3 divided doses of 40 mg) August, 2020: 7.5 mg Zolpidem (Ambien) 3 x day (tapered from 30 mg Dec, 2020-Feb, 2021) Sept, 2020: 600 mg Gabapentin (3 divided doses 200 mg ea) Sept, 2020: 1.25 mg Clonazpam divided doses ( .5 night, .5 noon, .25 6 pm) Nov, 2020: 22.5 mg Mirtazapine (Remeron) 9:30-10pm Previously-Fast 2 month taper off Cymbalta Spring, 2020 due to Tardive Dyskinesia Akathisia began Summer, 2020 Neurologist had me stop other medications abruptly (Clonazepam, Doxycycline, prednisone) Began with propranalol August, 2020 and meds increased through Fall, 2020 to above current dose. Thinking I should continue taper zolpidem first, as this would be the drug removed if I had to be hospitalized, don't know how to reduce it past just breaking the tablets. (I can't find specific info on dry or liquid taper for zolpidem.) Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now